How to Grow Blackcurrant Ben Lomond

Blackcurrant Ben Lomond

Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond'

shrub

Ben Lomond is a cold-hardy blackcurrant cultivar bred in Scotland, valued for its late-season flowering that avoids spring frosts and heavy fruit production. This deciduous shrub produces dark purple to black berries rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins. It's an excellent choice for northern climates and cool growing regions.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruiting

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Water: Consistent moisture during growing season; requires 1-1.5 inches weekly. Avoid waterlogging. Water deeply at base; keep soil evenly moist during flowering and fruiting.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (2-4 years from planting to full production)

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Planting depth: Plant bare-root canes at same depth as grown in nursery; keep soil line visible

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, slightly acidic to neutral

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Organic compost Peat moss or coir Aged manure Sulfur if pH too high

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-7; exceptional cold-hardiness makes it ideal for northern gardens

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

Growth Stages

Establishment

Year 1

Newly planted canes develop root systems and initial foliage. Growth appears slow initially.

Water regularly to establish roots. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of compost. Prune lightly to remove damaged canes. Remove flowers first year to promote vegetative growth.

Vegetative Growth

Year 2-3

Bush expands with vigorous new cane growth from base. Foliage is bright green with serrated leaves.

Continue consistent watering and mulching. Allow canes to develop naturally. Thin crowded growth if necessary. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.

Flowering

3-4 weeks (late April-May)

Small greenish-white flowers appear on one-year-old wood in late April to May. Flowers are clustered in drooping panicles.

Ben Lomond's late flowering avoids frost damage. Do not prune during flowering. Ensure adequate moisture. Protect from hard spring frosts if in exposed location.

Fruiting & Ripening

6-8 weeks (June-July)

Green berries develop and gradually darken to deep purple-black. Berries swell and become plump with sweet flavor.

Maintain consistent watering—irregular water causes cracking. Mulch to regulate soil moisture. Apply potassium fertilizer if available. Berries ripen over 2-3 week period.

Dormancy

November-March

Foliage yellows and drops in autumn. Bare canes remain rigid through winter.

Prune in winter (November-March) while dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes. Thin to maintain open structure. Apply winter mulch in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Gooseberry Raspberry Blueberry Rhubarb Mint Thyme Garlic

Avoid planting near:

White pine Currants of opposite sex if pollination undesired Areas with poor air circulation

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves when buds swell. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation through pruning.
Inspect buds in winter for swollen 'big buds.' Remove and destroy infected buds. Prune out heavily infested canes.
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early season. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Handpick affected leaves. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin if severe. Remove leaf litter where pupae overwinter.
Use bird netting over ripening fruit. Install scare devices or reflective tape.

Uses

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Fresh & Preserved Berries

Culinary

Blackcurrant Ben Lomond berries are excellent for fresh consumption, jams, jellies, juices, and syrups. The intense flavor concentrates beautifully in preserves and cordials. [source]

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Immune Support & Antioxidants

Medicinal

Blackcurrants contain 2-3 times more vitamin C than oranges and are exceptionally high in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants. Traditional use includes treating colds, sore throats, and supporting immune function. [source]

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Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Medicinal

Blackcurrant seed oil and leaf extracts contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other compounds with demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. Often used to support joint health and reduce inflammation. [source]

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Liqueurs & Cordials

Household

Blackcurrants are the base for the French liqueur Cassis, and create distinctive cordials and home wines. The berries' natural sugar content and acidity make them ideal for fermentation. [source]

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Native Bee & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The flowers provide early nectar and pollen for spring pollinators and native bees. The dense shrub offers shelter for beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Berries ripen mid-June to July. Pick when fully black and slightly soft—do not harvest green berries. Harvest by stripping entire berry clusters from the cane, or pick individually for fresh eating. Ripe berries will drop easily into your hand. Refrigerate fresh berries for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ben Lomond was specifically bred at the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Invergowrie, Scotland, and is named after a prominent mountain in Scotland. The 'Ben' prefix is used for several hardy Scottish-bred blackcurrant varieties.
🌱 Blackcurrants were banned in the United States from 1911-2003 because they are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), which devastated America's valuable white pine forests. The ban has been lifted in most states, but some restrictions remain.
🌱 A single mature Ben Lomond bush can produce 8-12 pounds of berries per year, making it one of the most productive blackcurrant varieties for home gardens.

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